California Governor Gavin Newsom recently granted clemency to 25 felons, including Sithy Bin, a Cambodian immigrant who faced deportation. This action came just before the Easter holiday and reflects Newsom’s ongoing efforts to address the challenges faced by immigrants in the state.
Sithy Bin was sentenced to 40 years to life in 2008 for shooting at a rival gang member’s home during a barbecue, injuring an innocent bystander. After spending 15 years in prison, he became a minister and worked hard to rehabilitate himself. His good behavior and dedication to helping others led to a reduced sentence. Newsom noted in his pardon order that Bin had never been disciplined for misconduct while incarcerated and had received numerous commendations from prison staff for his positive changes.
Bin was released into the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement during the COVID-19 pandemic. He was detained at a processing center but was freed in 2020 due to overcrowding and unsafe conditions. Recently, he was given 60 days to self-deport back to Cambodia, a country he left as a child. This prompted Bin and his supporters to reach out to Newsom for a pardon, hoping it would allow him to stay in California.
The governor’s clemency decisions consider various factors, including the applicant’s efforts to improve themselves, their conduct since the offense, and the impact on crime victims and the community. Since taking office in 2019, Newsom has granted a total of 224 pardons, 150 commutations, and 42 reprieves.
In addition to Bin, the recent clemency actions included pardons for 15 others and commutations for nine individuals. Among those who received commutations was Refugio Castillo, who had been serving a life sentence for kidnapping. At 78 years old and having spent nearly four decades in prison, Castillo has shown a commitment to self-improvement, which led to his commutation.
Newsom’s approach to clemency reflects a broader commitment to justice reform and support for those who have worked to turn their lives around.